Rolls-Royce brought their new Wraith model to the Knutsford showroom in August. Now motoring critics have delivered their verdict WORDS BY RANIA LLOYD
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in Spring this year, the Wraith promised to bring a new dimension to Rolls-Royce, being the most powerful car they have ever built. So with such promise of power, style and drama did Wraith deliver?
Jo Brown, Brand Ambassador for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester was thrilled by the reviews. Top Gear describe Wraith as a caddish, rakish take on the modern day Rolls-Royce. They delivered the car to the International Media launch in Vienna – a journey of 951 miles. Their reviewer said: ‘The Wraith proves that the massive trans-continental drive isn’t only still feasible, but also pleasurable - it’s been magnificent throughout. I have, since leaving Calais, been trying to think if there was another car in existence that I would rather have done this journey in. In the last 12 hours I haven’t been able to come up with a single one.’
Wraith is described by many critics as being a true gentleman’s GT and there is no question, Wraith looks the part. The muscular fast back design is a first for Rolls-Royce, the style and shape being reminiscent of the classic lines of the golden age of GT motoring. Even the legendary Spirit of Ecstasy that graces the bonnet is angled five degrees further forward giving a real sense of what power and dynamism is to come. The inside is everything you would expect it to be. As with all Rolls-Royces the first thing that greets you as you open the door is the smell of fine leathers, and the sight of exquisite wooden curves. And with the option of Canadel panelling normally reserved for the likes of superyachts Wraith is described as having a luxurious nautical feel. There’s a host of discreet spaceship-like technology choices and the option of having 1340 optic fibres lights positioned into the roof lining gives the feeling of sitting under a starry night sky.
As for the power, Wraith is unanimously described by the critics as being quick, getting along at a fair old lick. It’s not surprising, given the vast 6.6 litre V12 twin turbo engine delivering an impressive 624bhp taking you effortlessly to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Wraith is also described as being as quiet as a mouse when driven at 40mph, yet the second you ask for the power, the Wraith ups and moves. The response from the eight speed gearbox reacts with no lag. Satellite Aided Transmission combined with GPS Technology means that Wraith scans the road ahead and automatically works out which of the gears should be selected, based on the car’s location and the driver behaviour. The Wraith is described as being an exceptionally easy, natural, flowing simple car to drive swiftly.
What more could you want?
